New device revives RTO’s crackdown on faulty meters

Armed with a new device the Wadala RTO, on Monday, resumed its drive against tampered rickshaw meters. Before the drive was suspended a month ago, officials had to travel in each rickshaw to check for tampering.

Armed with a new device the Wadala RTO, on Monday, resumed its drive against tampered rickshaw meters. Before the drive was suspended a month ago, officials had to travel in each rickshaw to check for tampering.

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“Earlier, checking a meter would take up to one hour as we had to travel in the auto to check the readings. With this gadget, we can check meters on the spot,” said Tanaji Chavan, assistant RTO, Wadala.

On Monday, three squads of RTO officials fanned across the eastern suburbs and registered 20 cases of meter tampering. The squads conducted checks in Ghatkopar, Chembur, on the Mulund-Ghatkopar link road, and on the Eastern Express Highway at Govandi.

“We have confiscated their permits. The rickshaws will now remain off the road till they repair the meters and get them tested from authorised service centers. After that, they will have to visit RTO for the final meter inspection. Only then will they be allowed to resume the business,” Chavan added.